seguire
Lemma: seguire
Translation: to follow; to pursue; to come after; to track; to accompany; to continue; to ensue; to adhere to (verb)
Etymology: From Latin 'sequī' meaning 'to follow'. This shares the same Indo-European root *sekw- ('to follow') with English words like 'sequence', 'consequence', 'sequel', and 'prosecute'. The connection between 'seguire' and 'sequence' highlights how both relate to things following one another in order.
Example Usage
Ti seguo su Instagram.
I follow you on Instagram.
Segui le istruzioni attentamente.
Follow the instructions carefully.
La polizia segue una nuova pista.
The police are following a new lead.
Dopo la cena seguirà un concerto.
After dinner, a concert will follow.
Sto seguendo un corso di italiano.
I am taking (following) an Italian course.
Segui il tuo cuore.
Follow your heart.
Seguo un corso di italiano.
I'm taking (following) an Italian course.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'sequel' to a movie - it 'follows' the original film.
- The 'seg' in 'seguire' sounds like 'seg' in 'segment' - one segment follows another.
- Imagine a security guard (security → seguire) following someone suspicious.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian social media, 'seguire' is commonly used to refer to following someone's account, similar to English. In Italian culture, 'seguire le tradizioni' (following traditions) is an important concept that reflects the value placed on cultural continuity.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'seguire' means 'to follow' in a general sense, 'inseguire' specifically means 'to chase' or 'to pursue' with more intensity and often implies a pursuit.
Notes: 'Seguire' is more neutral and can be used in many contexts, while 'inseguire' has a more active, purposeful connotation.
Mnemonic: Think of 'inseguire' as 'intensely seguire' - following with greater intensity or purpose.
Explanation: 'Seguire' means to follow something or someone, while 'proseguire' means to continue or proceed with something already started.
Confused word:
Proseguo con i miei studi.
I continue with my studies.
Notes: 'Proseguire' often implies continuation of a journey, process, or activity.
Mnemonic: Pro-seguire = 'forward-following' or continuing onward with something.